How to Grow Golden Emerald Arborvitae
Golden Emerald Arborvitae
Thuja occidentalis 'Golden Emerald'
shrubGolden Emerald Arborvitae is a narrow, columnar evergreen shrub prized for its bright golden-yellow foliage that retains its color throughout the year. This compact variety reaches 15-20 feet tall but only 3-4 feet wide, making it ideal for screening, hedging, and ornamental accents. The soft, feathery foliage and upright form provide year-round visual interest and structure to the landscape.
When should you plant Golden Emerald Arborvitae in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Golden Emerald Arborvitae timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Golden Emerald Arborvitae
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Golden Emerald Arborvitae
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Golden Emerald Arborvitae dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8, with best performance in zones 3-7
Sign up free to see if Golden Emerald Arborvitae grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Golden Emerald Arborvitae timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 1-2 yearsYoung shrub with developing root system and compact pyramidal form; foliage is bright golden-yellow and soft-textured
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around base, keeping it away from the stem. Stake if necessary in windy locations.
Vegetative Growth
Years 2-5Plant fills in and develops dense branching; maintains columnar shape with vibrant golden foliage throughout growing season
Water during dry spells. Light pruning can be done to shape or remove any dead branches. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood.
Mature Growth
Year 5 onwardFully developed columnar form reaching 15-20 feet tall with consistent 3-4 foot width; dense, feathery golden-yellow foliage
Minimal pruning needed; only remove dead or diseased branches. Maintain soil moisture during extended dry periods. Monitor for spider mites in hot, dry conditions.
Color Transitions
Late fall through early springFoliage may show bronze or copper tones during winter months due to cold exposure, returning to golden-yellow in spring
This is normal; extra winter watering may help prevent excessive bronzing. Do not prune during stress periods.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with strong stream of water to dislodge; use miticides if severe; maintain adequate moisture to reduce stress
-
Hand-pick bags in fall/winter; apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) in late spring when larvae emerge
-
Dormant oil spray in early spring; neem oil in growing season; improve air circulation
-
Prune out affected foliage; apply insecticidal soap or oil sprays during peak emergence
-
Ensure well-draining soil; avoid overwatering; remove affected plants; improve drainage in planting area
Uses
Screening and Privacy Hedge
HouseholdThe narrow columnar form and dense foliage make Golden Emerald Arborvitae ideal for creating living screens and privacy hedges along property lines or to block unsightly views. Multiple plants spaced 3-4 feet apart create an effective year-round barrier. [source]
Ornamental Accent and Landscape Structure
HouseholdThe bright golden-yellow foliage provides striking color contrast in mixed borders and foundation plantings. The upright form adds vertical interest and architectural structure to garden designs. [source]
Foliage for Floral Arrangements
CraftSoft, feathery branches can be harvested for fresh or dried floral arrangements and wreaths, adding texture and warm golden tones to designs. [source]
Wildlife Habitat and Food Source
WildlifeDense foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife. The plant also produces small cones that some bird species consume. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not typically harvested, but dead or diseased branches can be pruned out any time. Light shaping can be done in spring or early summer. Avoid heavy pruning into bare wood, as recovery is slow.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Golden Emerald Arborvitae is a selection of Eastern White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis), native to eastern North America, where it was historically used by Indigenous peoples for food, medicine, and construction.
- 🌱 The plant's foliage contains aromatic compounds and volatile oils that give it a pleasant fragrance when brushed or crushed, though the aroma is much milder than some other arborvitae varieties.
- 🌱 Golden Emerald maintains its brilliant golden color year-round due to its genetics, unlike many other golden arborvitae varieties that revert to green or bronze during winter months.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Golden Emerald Arborvitae planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Golden Emerald Arborvitae seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Golden Emerald Arborvitae timeline →